TUTOR WORKSHOP 2011

AGENDA

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Finding Good Books and Getting Kids to Read Them: Maria Salvadore, Children's Literature Consultant

Sometimes all it takes is one special book to turn a student into a reader. Finding that book means understanding what your student is interested in, what their reading level is, and the range of reading options — graphic novels, humor, magazines, realistic ficion, series fiction — available.

Maria is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, reviewer for School Library Journal and Capitol Choices, and former member of the American Library Association's Notable Children's Book Committee. She was previously coordinator of children's services for the District of Columbia Public Library system and Cambridge (MA) Public Library. She currently works with PBS's Ready to Learn project, the Kennedy Center's education department, Reading Is Fundamental, and the Catholic Charities Parenting Program. Maria has chaired or served on various book award committees including the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee. She is the co-author with Susan Hepler of Books Kids Will Talk About.

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Learning Beyond Study Hall: Matthew Wheelock, Executive Director of Live It, Learn It

Matthew is a former tutor, former DCPS teacher, and the founder of Live It Learn It, a non-profit that boosts student academic achievement and motivation with rigorous, academically focused trips to DC's world-class resources. Matthew will share ideas for engaging, educational activities to offer our students.

Improving Parent Engagement: Kate Spatz and Amy Gillespie, Community Club tutors

It can be tricky to develop a good relationship with our students' families. Amy and Katie--both experienced Community Club tutors---will offer suggestions to involve parents, respect boundaries, avoid conflict, and most importantly, work together to support students academically and emotionally.

The Writing Process: Tammy DiRobbio, Maya Angelou Public Charter School

Writing is an often overlooked component of literacy, but the ability to write clearly and communicate effectively is critical to students' classroom and workplace success. And writing assignments can provide a means to enhance students' vocabulary, comprehension, and spelling skills. Tammy, a high school English Teacher, will share strategies for improving students abilities to plan, draft, and revise their writing.

LUNCH BREAK

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Math Strategies: David Balan, Ph.D, CC Math Zone Leader

If you've ever struggled to help your student with math concepts like fractions, decimals and solving for x, you're not alone and this session is for you. You'll learn strategies that will make these concepts click with students. Dave is Math Zoner and an economist at the Federal Trade Commission, so he knows the 411 and the 4.11.

Tutoring 101: Susannah Harris, CC Volunteer Coordinator

What do I do if my student brings homework I don't understand, or doesn't bring homework at all? When will my student open up to me? Susannah, CC's Volunteer Coordinator and a 15-year Community Club veteran, can answer your questions and point you toward additional sources of support.

Preparing for College and Job Interviews: Andrew Whitmire, CustomEd

So much rides on college admissions interviews and internship/job interviews. It's important that our students — and we tutors, too— examine how we present ourselves and learn how to improve our communication and interpersonal skills.

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

Get Ready for College: Amy Garrou, College Team Member and University Counselor at the French International School

As kids work their way through CC, we need to help them think about their life after H.S., guiding them toward classes that challenge them, helping them understand their study and careers options, finding financial support, and more. The College Team leads this effort, but tutors should know what resources are available to help our students reach their goals.

Hands On Learning: Andrew Whitmire, CustomEd

Is your student more interested in building/doing, than reading/discussing? We don't always do a good job of supporting students with this learning style because it takes creativity to (bad pun alert) construct meaningful activities. CustomEd engages students in hands-on construction industry challenges. In this session, tutors will participate in a group activity and learn ways to offer this type of learning opportunity to our students.